Naomi Osaka explains why She hosted Dinner for black Tennis Players

Naomi Osaka has responded to criticism after hosting a dinner for Black tennis players during Roland Garros week in Paris.

The former world No. 1 shared photos from the event, calling it “The black party (RG edition),” before later explaining the deeper reason behind the gathering after some online backlash.

Osaka said growing up in tennis, she rarely saw players who looked like her and often felt isolated in a sport where Black representation was limited.

“Being a minority in a sport like tennis is very isolating,” Osaka wrote.

She explained that the dinner was never about excluding others, but instead about celebrating community, representation and how far Black players have come in tennis.

“There’s a fellowship, a camaraderie that doesn’t need words to describe,” she said.

Osaka also addressed criticism comparing the gathering to an “all-white party,” saying events like that already exist regularly and questioning why people become uncomfortable when people of colour celebrate together.

The four-time Grand Slam champion also spoke about personal experiences growing up, including seeing her father face discrimination and having police called on him at tennis courts.

“This is not about exclusion, this is a celebration about how far we have come,” Osaka added.